Channels Television Fires Back At Wike, Insists Abuja Headquarters Land Was Legally Acquired

Channels Television has rejected claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that the land housing its headquarters in Abuja was lawfully allocated and fully paid for.

The media organisation made the clarification during its Thursday broadcast, describing the minister’s comments as inaccurate and misleading.

Wike had, during a media chat on Wednesday, alleged that the television station was making profit from public land allocated by the government, questioning the legitimacy of its ownership of the property.

“The land that you built Channels on is public land. You are making money out of the public property. Did you buy it? No. It was allocated to you,” the minister had said.

He also defended government policy on charges for live broadcast coverage, arguing that media organisations are not entitled to provide such services free of charge.

In its response, Channels Television stated that its headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja was legally allocated to Channels Television on March 6, 2007, by a former FCT administration for commercial purposes.

The station maintained that all required fees and statutory charges were duly paid, dismissing suggestions that the allocation was improper.

“It is not correct. The property which houses our national headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja was allocated to CTV on March 6, 2007, for commercial purposes by the then FCT minister. We can confirm that all required fees and charges were fully paid,” the station said.

Channels Television also defended the payments it receives for covering official events, including the minister’s media chat, explaining that live broadcasts involve significant operational and technical costs.

“Our fees are out there. We are a news and broadcast media organisation. If you are going to lock down one, two, or three hours of airtime, of course you will pay,” it stated.

The broadcaster added that such coverage requires outside broadcast equipment, technical crews, and airtime allocation, stressing that these details are usually disclosed before transmission.

Reaffirming its editorial stance, Channels Television said it remains committed to professionalism, independence, and balanced journalism built over three decades.

“We will ensure to ask the right questions and guard the trust we have built for over 30 years as a media organisation built on credibility, excellent journalism and balance,” it added.

The station further urged the FCT Minister to provide detailed clarification on land allocations involving journalists and ensure that all statutory obligations tied to such allocations are properly addressed.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between government authorities and media organisations over land administration and regulatory interpretations in the Federal Capital Territory.